Heather Watson’s US Open singles campaign came to an end on Monday as the British No.1 suffered a battling 7-6 (3), 7-6 (0) defeat to a determined Lauren Davis.
Former junior champion at Flushing Meadows, Watson, was searching for her first win in the main draw at the final Grand Slam of the year but found the American in top form and hitting her backhand supremely well.
Watson was the first British player to take to the courts in New York and opened proceedings for the day on Court 17, quickly getting into her stride with three comfortable service holds.
Three break points came and went in the fifth game though as Davis dug herself out of a hole at 0-40 to level the opener.
After eight holds of serve, four breaks ensued with Davis twice failing to serve out the set before eventually sealing it on a tie-break.
The speedy world No.84 took the advantage in the second by going 3-1 up but was soon pegged back to 3-3 as Watson went on the offensive.
Watson then had a chance to level the match when serving at 5-4 but Davis broke back before taking it to another tense tie-break.
The home player held firm once again though, winning a marathon 28 shot rally early on to take a 3-0 lead before confirming the win when Watson netted a forehand.